African American women and weight loss: disregarding environmental challenges

J Transcult Nurs. 2012 Jan;23(1):38-45. doi: 10.1177/1043659611414140. Epub 2011 Aug 22.

Abstract

In the United States, almost 80% of African American women are either overweight or obese. In this study, 46 low-income African American women struggling with weight issues participated in structured interviews using a social cognitive theory framework. Participants shared their social cognitive theory related weight loss thoughts and their perceived weight loss obstacles. Results suggest that although participants' primary weight-related obstacles were environment-based, for example, unsafe environments in which to engage in regular exercise, they more often offered individual-based solutions. The study concludes with a discussion of media advocacy as a tool that can be used to promote environmental solutions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Black or African American / psychology
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity
  • Nutritional Status
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Poverty / psychology
  • Poverty / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychological Theory
  • Social Environment*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Weight Loss*
  • Women's Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult